Western Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly
Western Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly Coloration and Size
The Western Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio rutulus) is a beautiful, common butterfly, yellow with black stripes. It is similar to the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail, distinguished by location. Another western species that is quite similar is the Pale Swallowtail.
The wingspan is in the 2 1/4" - 3 7/8" range. Life span is about 6-14 days.
Distribution and Habitat
The Western Swallowtail is often seen in meadows, woodland edges, streamsides and suburban gardens in the Western United States and the southern areas of British Columbia.
It can also frequently seen puddling at mud spots in large numbers.
Nectar and Host Plants Used by the Western Tiger Swallowtail
The Western Tiger Swallowtail utilizes a large variety of host plants, mostly trees, including Cottonwood, aspens, poplars, alders, ashes, and willows.
Western Tiger Swallowtail Life Cycle Stages and Times
| Stage | Typical Duration |
| Egg stage | 4 to 10 days |
| Caterpillar (larval) stage | 3 to 4 weeks |
| Chrysalis (pupal) stage | 10 to 20 days |
| Adult butterfly stage | 6 to 14 days |
Photos of Western Tiger Swallowtail Butterflies
Western Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly - dorsal view |
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Western Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly - ventral view |
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Western Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly |
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Western Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly |
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Western Tiger Swallowtail Butterflies, Pemberton, British Columbia (May 2018) |
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Butterflies At Home Staff Photo |